Unity Township, OH (September 20, 2025) – A Lisbon woman was killed Saturday afternoon when a semi-truck hauling an excavator overturned and collided with an SUV in Columbiana County.
Accident Details: According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 2:52 p.m. on State Route 558 in Unity Township. Investigators say the semi-truck went left of center and overturned, striking a 2022 Jeep Renegade.
The Jeep veered off the roadway and hit a guardrail after impact. The passenger, identified as 79-year-old Rebecca Myers of Lisbon, died at the scene. The driver of the Jeep has not been identified, and their condition has not been released.
State Route 558 was temporarily shut down as emergency crews and investigators worked the crash site.
Investigation: Troopers are continuing to investigate what caused the semi-truck to cross the centerline and overturn. Mechanical issues, driver fatigue, or distraction may all be considered as possible factors. Authorities will also review the load security of the excavator, as oversized or improperly balanced loads can contribute to rollover risks.
Crash reconstruction teams are expected to examine vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris fields to clarify the sequence of events.
Legal Considerations: Collisions involving commercial trucks and heavy equipment often lead to complex liability questions. Trucking companies may be held responsible if improper load securement or maintenance failures contributed to the crash. Families of wrongful death victims such as Myers may pursue claims for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and other damages.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers posed when large trucks carrying heavy equipment lose control on rural roadways.
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Rebecca Myers as they mourn her loss.
Source: WFMJ